Anti-aging skin care –
How well does it work? 

A Fountain of Youth has yet to be found, but until then there are skincare companies that believe they can help. While getting a facelift or skin injections may be the first choice for some people, others may want to take a less invasive route to looking younger. For those afraid of going under the knife or getting frequent injections, anti-aging skincare creams may look quite appealing. But the question is, do anti-aging skincare products really work?

The answer is simple. You can’t expect the exact results of a facelift with the use of anti-aging creams, but you can minimize the signs of aging. Ingredients found in many products are collagen-boosting peptides. The more collagen in your skin, the plumper it looks, thus decreasing wrinkles. The peptides in many products help to boost the production of collagen in skin.

There are additional benefits to skincare creams. Anti-aging skincare products can make the skin look and feel better because many of them contain other ingredients that do things like exfoliate and hydrate the skin. Vitamins and minerals found in many of the products also help to prevent signs of aging.

The key to using anti-aging skincare creams is to keep using them. While facelifts and skin injections are more permanent, creams can lose their effect if they aren’t used regularly. It’s also never too early to start thinking about skincare since what you do early in life can reflect in your skin later. Sunscreen and drinking water are important for skin health and can also prevent the signs of aging.

So, do some research and consider your budget. The price varies between different creams, but most products have similar ingredients. Try different products and see which you like best for your skin.

What anti-aging secrets do you find work the best? 

Cure your cabin fever – 
How to enjoy the winter months 

Have you ever experienced restlessness, irritability, forgetfulness or found yourself sleeping excessively?  If so, you may be suffering from a case of cabin fever. The term was coined in 1918 when settlers were snowed into their log cabins during the winter months and had to wait for the spring thaw to travel to town. 

If you find yourself exhibiting symptoms this winter, here are some suggestions for overcoming your bout with cabin fever:

Develop a hobby

When you just can’t bring yourself to brave the cold, it’s a great time to start that new project or complete an unfinished one. 

Catch up on your reading

If you have wanted to finish or start a good book, use this time to your advantage and catch up on some reading.

Create a workout regimen

Brush off that treadmill or other exercise equipment and use the winter months to get back in shape. When the weather breaks, you can unveil the new you.

Entertain friends and family

Turn your cabin fever into an opportunity to invite friends or family over for lunch or dinner. This is a great way to catch up or stay in touch with people you haven’t had the chance to visit for a while.

Get out and enjoy the scenery

The best way to overcome feelings of cabin fever is to get out and do something. Take a walk or go to the library or a museum. Meet with friends at your favorite coffee shop or restaurant. Just be sure to bundle up!

The important thing to remember in the winter months, when you’re feeling a little confined and you feel a case of cabin fever coming on, is to remain active. Before you know it the weather will be breaking and the birds will be chirping again.

What is your best remedy for curing cabin fever?

Printer security –
How networked printers can leave you vulnerable 

Thanks to modern firewalls and password technology, managers at large companies can sleep soundly at night, reassured their data is secure, right?

Two trends are making today’s multifunction products (MFPs) the focus of enterprise security. First, they offer more data-handling features than ever, including hard drives, making them as sophisticated as many PCs. Second, companies typically connect MFPs to networks, which give them all the flexibility and security vulnerability of any computer on a network. The biggest threat is that the printers are inside the network and are a more trusted launching pad for attacks.

Most companies use multifunction networked printers. These printers allow many users to share one centralized printer, saving the company money, space and supplies. While they are very beneficial for the users, they also pose a security risk to the company.

“Without a doubt, security is of the utmost importance in today’s business environment,” says Kay Fernandez, director of Product Marketing for Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. “While many companies have taken extensive measures to protect corporate network infrastructures, one of the most overlooked areas in establishing a security strategy is the document production environment,” she adds. "Stop treating them as printers. Treat them as servers, as workstations.”

Here’s what to look for to manage and secure MFPs:

·         Control access and track usage. Choose MFPs with central control panels that require employees to enter pass codes or network user names and passwords. This keeps unauthorized people from printing, copying or faxing sensitive data from MFP hard drives.

·         Use data encryption. Data-encryption technology can protect MFP hard drives as thoroughly as if they resided in servers and workstations.

·         Overwrite data and don’t forget to thoroughly clean hard drives of data when it’s no longer relevant.

Printers should be part of a company's patch program and be carefully managed, not forgotten, by IT.

Information from documentsecurity.com, smallbusinesscomputing.com, okidata.com, documentsolutions.techweb.com, schneier.com, itbusinessedge.com

Bolt –
Disney’s latest animated feature 

With almost as much action as The Incredibles, Bolt delivers lots of laughs with striking artwork. The scenery is so realistic that it often looks like photography until a Pixar-esque character seamlessly comes into view.

Bolt (with the voice of John Travolta) is a small white German Shepherd who has lived all his life in Hollywood as the star of a popular TV show, portraying a superhero dog. At the end of each episode, Bolt saves his owner Penny (played by Miley Cyrus) from certain peril. The clips of Bolt’s show will keep you on the edge of your seat! At the end of each work day, Bolt sleeps in the on-set trailer, believing he has saved the day once again.

However, when the ratings start to fall, the show’s creators decide to have a cliff-hanger episode and leave Bolt alone in his trailer believing that Penny is still in danger. He escapes to go save her and is accidentally shipped to New York City where he meets a world-weary alley cat named Mittens (with the voice of Susie Essman). They embark on a wild cross-country journey to save Penny. Along the way they pick up a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino who is an extreme Bolt fan. Rhino’s over-the-top enthusiasm for helping his hero provides some of the funniest moments in the movie. There are also lots of laughs as Bolt continues to believe that he has superpowers.

The plot is a little predictable and doesn’t have the social commentary of Wall E. Still, it’s action-packed, laugh-out-loud funny and sometimes poignant. It’s definitely worth seeing.

Have you seen Bolt? Tell us what you thought!

Breakfast benefits –
The importance of the most important meal

Mornings are hectic enough. There’s the waking up, the showering, the figuring out what to wear and the running around getting your gear together all so you can make it out the door and get to work on time. Who has time for a meal? It may seem like a harmless piece of your morning to skip, but Mom was right—breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.

Your car is not the only thing that can’t run on empty. Your body also needs fuel to stay up to speed. If you last ate at 6pm, skipped breakfast and didn’t eat again until noon, you’ve essentially been fasting for 18 hours. Breakfast is meant to literally break the fast.

Glucose is the body’s fuel. It keeps our brains and nervous systems working. So, functions like walking, talking, typing and stretching all require glucose to keep going. Feeling groggy and cloudy at work? A little fuel first thing in the morning will get your day off to a much better start.

Dieting? Don’t cut your calories at breakfast, which can actually lead to overeating later in the day. Also, while you’re not eating, your metabolism is plummeting. The last thing you want to do is keep your metabolism at this lowered state. Keep it up and working by eating!

Eating breakfast also helps your ability to think, which really comes in handy at work. According to a study published in the November 2001 issue of The American Journal Clinical Nutrition, eating breakfast improved participants’ performance on memory tests.

What you eat for breakfast is just as important as making it a part of your morning routine. Slamming down a donut and soda is not the kind of fuel your body needs. Sugar will give you a quick boost, but will cause you quickly to crash, making you feel even worse. You want to eat foods that sustain energy, like oatmeal and fruit. Try spreading peanut butter on fruit or whole-wheat toast, or cream cheese on a wheat bagel. A yogurt and a Nutri-Grain® bar also make a great breakfast. Stay away from simple carbs like white bread, regular bagels and many cereals. These are too easily digested and will make you feel hungrier sooner.

Tell us about your typical breakfast routine – do you have any suggestions for those breakfast skippers out there?  

E-security scams –
Internet thieves come in many guises  

Every day, people and businesses fall victim to scams that compromise their electronic security (e-security). With new scams being created regularly and old scams still working their way through the Internet, one can't be too careful. Having a good anti-virus program with firewall, spyware and virus protection is a good start, but e-mail scams and hoaxes are sometimes cleverly disguised as legitimate offers and e-mails.

A common e-security scam is known as phishing. This is often an e-mail disguised as an official message from a trustworthy source such as your bank, eBay or PayPal. Messages like, “Your account information must be confirmed, failure may result in account suspension” or “A large sum has been debited to your account, provide your account details to confirm that the charge is incorrect” create a sense of urgency and are often followed by a link that will take you to a fake Web site designed to look identical to the legitimate one.

Usually confirming your information includes account numbers, passwords, security phrases and PIN numbers, making your account entirely vulnerable. Instead of following a link in an e-mail, type the Web site's homepage address directly into your browser before filling out forms with account numbers and passwords. Often, phishing e-mails will be littered with improper grammar and poor spelling. Subject lines containing all caps and misspelled words are also a good way to identify phishing. When in doubt, the way to confirm a possible e-security scam is to call and confirm that there is a problem with your account.

Another scam commonly known as the Nigerian Bank Scam can originate from a variety of different countries, but the method is exactly the same. A person promises large sums of money, sometimes unclaimed inheritances or lottery winnings or a reward for helping them transfer money out of Nigeria. The outcome is always the same. Before you can claim millions, you must first send thousands of dollars to get the money transferred or for required paperwork. Of course after you've completed your end of the bargain you'll start hearing excuses as to why your money is being delayed and then you'll never hear from them again.

The Internet is crawling with a variety of ways to part you from your money. Just remember, be skeptical and don't believe everything you read. If it's too good to be true it probably is!

Deck out your pet! 

Pets don’t know how good they have it. These days loving pet owners have lots of options for spoiling their pets with accessories. While cost may be an important factor pet owners consider, there are other factors that can play a part in purchasing pet accessories.  Is the product environmentally friendly? Do the proceeds from purchasing the product go to a charity organization? Is the product outrageous and perfect for little (or big) Fido or Fluffy? Take these options into consideration when purchasing your next pet accessory, either in a store or on the Internet.

Most pet stores welcome you, and your pet, to peruse the aisles of pet products. Having your pet with you sometimes makes shopping easier. You can try collars on your cat or dog, let your pet choose a new toy, or you can just show off your animal friend. While this may sound fun, there are definitely options to shop for pet products from the comfort of your home, with your pet on your lap or at your feet.

Web sites like www.greenhome.com make sure pets can “go green,” too. Dog beds made of 100% cotton, colored with low-impact dyes and stuffed with organic materials are safe for the environment and pets. You can also find hemp dog collars on this Web site, and according to the product description, hemp is much stronger than cotton and is resistant to tears, soiling, shrinkage and deterioration.  Also, according to the description, hemp doesn’t need any dangerous pesticides during cultivation, and it actually helps the soil. Food and water bowls made from recycled plastic bottles, and biodegradable pet waste bags are eco-friendly accessories to consider. While safe for the environment, however, these products require more green from your wallet than ordinary products.

Some sites like www.jaxandbones.com offer products that benefit animal organizations. Good Karma Toys^® are made of rope, and the proceeds go to The Rescue Train Organization. This group rescues animals and gives the animals to good homes.

Sites like www.uptownpaws.com have outrageous pet accessories that show how much pet owners love to spoil their furry friends. Pet strollers, apparel and costumes are just the beginning!  You can also find an Ultrasonic Outdoor Cat Deterrent, a cat toilet-training kit, and a Cat Sitter DVD. This continuous DVD consists of objects floating around the TV screen for cats to watch and swat, occupying their time while their owners are at work.

While pets don’t always appreciate added benefits of eco-friendly, charitable or outrageous accessories, their owners may think otherwise.

What are your favorite pet accessories?

How to be a good host 

Let's face it, some houseguests are more welcome than others. I mean, we've all seen Houseguest starring Sinbad, and some of us even own it on Blu-ray disc. But as a hostess with the mostest it's courteous to take the time to prepare your home and make it equally as comfortable for all guests (unless they're pop-ins, in which case you have no time). Here are 5 things you can do for your guests to make them feel at home away from home.

Try to give guests their own private space.

It's easy if you have a separate guest room, but if not, consider making your kids give up their room. Or maybe turn the laundry room into a cozy little bunk with a cot. It depends on your guests, but some may prefer a room with a door to a comfortable bed. You might want to ask their preference in advance. Then before your guest arrives, clear out everything you think you might need from their room.  You don't want to keep going in and out of their temporary personal space.

Make sure you've provided enough pillows and spare blankets.

Some people are always cold. Some people like to build a wall of pillows around their sleeping bodies. You never know.  Leave a few extra pillows and blankets out just in case.

Put a few bottles of water in the guest room and/or in the bathroom.

This is a nice touch, and something my family does for me (I'm a very discriminating guest). It's convenient to have water on hand – that way guests won't have to walk to the kitchen and go through every cupboard looking for a glass.

Set up night lights in the bathroom and/or hallways.

Your house is unfamiliar to guests, especially at night in the dark. Plug in some night lights that lead the way to the bathroom. You don't want guests blindly feeling their way in the middle of the night and leaving a trail of fallen wall hangings and broken vases in their wake.

Send a note to tell them you enjoyed their visit.

Traditionally the guest sends a note to thank the host for his or her hospitality.  But to be extra kind, especially if you actually liked having your guests in your home (and would like to be invited to their home some day), send a little note to express your thanks for their company.

What nice things do you do for your houseguests?

GPS Devices

Throughout history people have often gone to extreme measures to keep from getting lost by erecting impressive landmarks, making detailed maps and learning to read the stars in the night sky. Today, things are much easier. For less than $100 you can get a pocket-sized device called a GPS that will tell you exactly where on earth you are at any given moment.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is actually a network of 27 satellites orbiting the planet (24 in operation and 3 reserves as backup in case one fails), providing worldwide coverage in all weather—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but in 1993 made it available to civilians and other friendly powers as an essential component for modern navigation on land, water and air. GPS technology has also found useful applications in the fields of mapping and surveying.

A GPS receiver calculates its position by carefully timing the signals sent by the network of GPS satellites high above earth. They circle the planet twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information down to the surface. GPS receivers then take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user’s exact location. The GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. This time difference tells the receiver how far away the satellite is. With distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can then determine the user’s position and display it on the unit’s electronic map.

GPS systems can be very accurate in measurements, generally have an error rate of only a few meters and require no subscription fees or setup charges. So, as long as you have a GPS receiver with power and a clear view of the sky, you'll never be lost again.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle 

The best narratives are often the simplest. And while The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski contains soothsayers, suspected murderers, deadly fires and tornados over Lake Superior, it can be described most succinctly as a story of a boy and his dog.

Born without the power of speech in the mid-20^th Century, Edgar Sawtelle’s earliest and dearest companion is Almondine, one of the dogs bred and trained on his family’s Wisconsin farm. But the Sawtelles are no ordinary dog breeders, employing controversial methods (in the dog-training world at least) to raise super-intelligent canines. Thus Alamondine is able to become a sort of “hearing-ear” dog for Edgar, forming a bond that acts as the central thread through a dense narrative.

Much like the Sawtelle dogs and farm, the story evolves slowly as first-time author David Wroblewski takes his time to establish the world that Edgar, his parents, his prodigal uncle and the dogs inhabit. We learn about the man who first built the farm, about Edgar’s grandfather and the impetus for establishing the dog-training enterprise, and about the origin of the story’s tragic, Shakespearean events.

The past is ever-present in The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. Whether it’s the extensive records kept on every Sawtelle dog, Edgar’s early obsession with the man who built his home or the simmering feud between Edgar’s father and uncle, preceding events often have as much impact – if not more – on the present than current ones. 

It’s no surprise to find that Wroblewski grew up on a Wisconsin farm, which his mother used to breed dogs. And while the tragic events that make up the thrust of the narrative most likely did not happen on the Wroblewski farm, the details and familiarity of the time and setting help create a world in which readers can become lost.  

And while the narrative can at times seem to dote too much on those details, it's a testament to Wroblewski that his 562-page debut novel tells a compelling story with enough pizzazz to move the reader through its long page count, while keeping at its core a relationship that any present or previous pet owner can relate to.

The cost of energy

Energy drinks are carbonated beverages that contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar with additional ingredients, such as B vitamins, amino acids and herbal stimulants. Many people like the boost of energy they provide and feel they are no more harmful than other drinks such as soda, coffee or tea. Yet, others feel that energy drinks are dangerous and should be controlled or banned.   My question is are they really that bad or are some people overreacting? Let’s break it down with some facts and you can decide for yourself. 

Most energy drinks contains about 80mg of caffeine per 8-oz. can. That is about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of brewed coffee and twice the caffeine as a cup of tea. However, other energy drinks contain several times this amount. The amount of caffeine in an energy drink isn't always indicated on the label. Also, common ingredients, such as guarana or yerba mate, boost the level of caffeine so it is difficult to gauge how much one is consuming.  It's common for typical energy drink consumers to drink large amounts quickly, which is not the case for coffee or tea drinkers who sip their drinks slowly. Still another concern is that many ingredients in energy drinks are believed to work synergistically with caffeine to boost its stimulant power. These ingredients include taurine, glucuronolactone and ginseng.

The effect of these ingredients varies from person to person. Some people who are sensitive to caffeine can experience anxiety, heart palpitations, irritability, difficulty sleeping and indigestion with relatively small amounts. Others do not have any negative side effects; they show increased alertness, more energy and improved mental and physical performance. Still, others feel positive for a few hours, and then feel more tired than they did before consuming the drink.

Studies have shown that energy drinks can lead to the consumption of excessive caffeine. Therefore, it is recommended that healthy adults drink no more than one can per day. Experts also advise children, pregnant or nursing women, or anyone who has any health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes to avoid energy drinks.

What do you think – are energy drinks harmful to your health?

The art of the Thank You note

Your mother may have taught you early on that writing a proper thank you note is as important as eating your veggies. But as an adult, with e-mailing being the quickest and most popular way to communicate with everyone these days, the ability to write a formal thank you note may have fallen by the wayside. Though it may seem archaic, thank you notes still hold a very important place in our culture. So how do you write one? Read below to find out how!

Before you put any words on paper, make sure the paper or card you are using is appropriate. Unless you are a 5-year-old, steer clear of crayons and clown stationery. Go for simple and tasteful. Also, always hand write a thank you note. Nothing more shows a lack of warmth like a type-written thank you note.

Greet the giver. Start with, “Dear XX.” Consider how you want to greet them. Are you close friends? If so, use their first name. If this is a friend of your parents, stick with a more formal greeting and use “Mr. or Mrs.”

Express gratitude. Thank them for the gift and be specific about the gift. What did they give you? By just saying, “Thank you for the gift,” you’re showing a lack of respect by not acknowledging exactly what they gave you. Think of it this way. If you spent a great deal of time and thought picking out a gift for someone and when you received the thank you note, they only referenced it as “the gift,” rather than “the really incredible digital picture frame that I’m sure you spent days trying to find,” you’d wonder if they even remembered what you gave them.

Discuss use. Explain what you plan to do with the gift. Did your mother-in-law give you a new piece of china that matches your set? If so, perhaps you can tell her how excited you’ll be to show it off next Thanksgiving when you have her over for the big meal. By describing its use you are showing that you have thought about the gift and how you will integrate it into your life.

Mention the past, allude to the future. Mention how nice it was to see them at the event you received the gift and speak of an upcoming event that you will see them at. For example, “It was so nice seeing you at our anniversary party. I look forward to seeing you during the holidays and catching up again!”

Say thank you again. Though this may seem redundant, it’s not. It’s a great way to conclude your letter and show your appreciation one last time.

Regards. This is where you end your letter. Use “Love,” “Sincerely,” “Yours Truly,” or whatever word feels most appropriate. Sign your name below and you’re done!

What is the neti pot?

It may look like a gravy boat, but you won’t see this during your Thanksgiving feast! The neti pot, a type of nasal irrigation system, is sweeping the nation. It was recently featured on the Oprah Winfrey show, and its popularity seemed to take off from there. So what is the big deal about this funny little pot and how do you use it?

The neti pot is a container used to rinse the nasal cavity. It can be used to treat colds, sinus problems and allergies. According to the Himalayan Institute, the neti pot naturally cleanses, refreshes and protects the nasal passages, one of our body’s first lines of defense against illness. It gently washes away excess mucous, bacteria, pollen, allergens and viruses from the sinuses.

This may seem like just a new health craze, but the neti pot has been around for many years. According to the article, Neti pot for sinus health, the practice of nasal cleansing—known as Neti—has been used in India for thousands of years.

A neti pot can be found at most health food stores and drug stores with prices ranging from $12-$30. Got a cold or pesky sinus pressure? Why not give neti pot a try?

Instructions for neti pot use:

1. Make sure your neti pot is clean. Rinse out the pot with water and dish detergent and clean thoroughly.
2. Prepare the saline solution with lukewarm water and fill the neti pot.
3. Tilt your head to the side.
4. Insert spout of neti pot gently into the raised nostril creating a seal between the neti pot and the nostril. If it drains out of your mouth, lower you forehead.
5. Raise the neti pot slowly to develop a steady flow of saline solution. through the upper nostril and out the lower.
6. During the process do not hold your breath. Breathe through your mouth.
7. When you’re done, exhale firmly several times to clear the nasal passages.
8. Reverse the tilt of your head and repeat the process on the other side.

Have you tried the neti pot? How did it work for you?

Don’t be a turkey…try something new this Thanksgiving!

Think only turkey, cranberries and stuffing are served on Americans’ dining tables on Thanksgiving? Think again! Across the country Americans are serving up many unique meals that stretch far beyond the traditional fixings.

In the South, the warmer climate allows for outdoor cooking. Deep-fried turkey, which has started a new trend across the country, is a delicious meal. Though this may seem like a greasy way to enjoy your bird, it actually seals the outside from the oil and keeps the meat inside very juicy. Large deep fryers have hit the market all across the United States, so even if you live in the North, you too can enjoy this southern tradition!   

Along with deep-fried turkey, smoked ham, corn bread stuffing and scalloped corn is served in the South. Instead of mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese is offered along with collard greens. Pecan pie is a big favorite, too.  

In New England, roast turkey is stuffed with chestnut stuffing. Alongside you can find seafood chowder or butternut squash soup, buttered parsnips, sherried sweet potatoes and succotash.

Many Mexican American families celebrate with a blend of traditional foods. On their dinner tables you might find turkey marinated in garlic and sour oranges, while corn with roasted chiles, tortillas and mango salsa add spice to the meal. Capriotada, a sweetbread pudding made with apples, raisins and pecans, is served for dessert.

A traditional Italian American Thanksgiving meal may include assorted cheeses, olives, shrimp cocktail, antipasto (pasta), chicken soup, meatballs, as well as turkey. Italian pastries and fruit finish the meal.

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is also celebrated outside of the U.S.!

In Germany, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October with fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh bread presented at the altar at church. A German-American meal may include roast turkey wrapped in bacon, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and hot German potato salad. Dessert is delicious plum cake.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, express gratitude and reflect on spiritual things. Whether you’re continuing an old tradition, or beginning a new one, why not try to add a new dish to your Thanksgiving feast this year!

Do you serve an unusual Thanksgiving dish? Tell us about it.

DVR vs. TiVO - Win, lose or draw?

How many times have you watched a TV program only to be interrupted by a phone call during the most critical time in the action? Or, what about missing that incredible play during the big game? It wasn't that long ago when I would say, "Wait, what was that? I missed it." Well, thanks to the invention of DVR or digital video recording, we'll never have to miss a single minute of our favorite television shows or events ever again.

The first DVRs were introduced to the general public in 1999. The unit features a hard drive that stores all the shows that you have programmed. Certain devices can hold up to 1,350 hours of standard definition programming. Stocking up on bulky VHS tapes and attempting to set the timer on your VCR are no longer necessary. Now, it only takes a couple of button pushes on your remote control and entire seasons of your favorite shows are ready for recording.

TiVo was the first brand of DVRs that became widely known. Its popularity was so great that the name quickly became the broad term for recording a show with your DVR – "I TiVoed last night's episode of Survivor."

Today, satellite or cable television providers such DirecTV, Comcast and AT&T offer a variety of packages that include DVR units. It's amazing to have the ability to pause live TV, rewind a program as you watch it, and record multiple shows at one time. One other benefit is the ability to fast forward past those pesky commercials.

My wife has taken the digitally recorded program to the next level. She avoids all commercials and forwards to the scenes that feature her favorite characters. A full hour show has actually been compressed to less than 10 minutes. The invention of the DVR has certainly changed the way TV is viewed.

Has the DVR or TiVo changed your television viewing habits?